Drive Me Wilde (Breathless 6)

“Came to see you of course,” she said.

“Okay, so you saw me…what now?”

She laughed. “Just wanted to see how things were going with you and Matt.”

“Well, that’s awfully sweet of you. Perhaps you wanted to see if Matt and I were together, since you sent him the DVD.”

Her mouth opened, and she shrugged. “Don’t worry, Tasha. You don’t have to tell me what’s going on with you two…I already know. I’ve seen that you are still together and going strong.” She moved closer to me. “I have eyes everywhere, you know?” She laughed, but I wasn’t joining in. “I actually wanted to apologize for that DVD situation.”

I raised an eyebrow. “You…apologize?” I asked. “That’s something I never thought I’d live to see. What’s the catch?”

She slowly shook her head. “No catch. I did some awful things and all for a guy that never even showed me any interest. Don’t get me wrong…he’s a great guy, but I can admit defeat. And that’s what I’m doing.”

“Well, forgive me if I don’t trust this to be a genuine apology,” I said cautiously.

“I understand that. But what you don’t know is that sitting at home for months without a job gave me plenty of time to think about the things I’ve done wrong. It used to be funny to see people in messed up situations, until that person became me,” Melinda said, and she actually looked like she’d figured her life out. Still, I waited for the other shoe to fall, because this wasn’t the Melinda I knew. “You won the guy…and got the job, and you deserve both, so I’ll back off. Why do you look skeptical?” she asked.

“Well, I suppose I am,” I admitted.

“You really don’t have to be, Tasha. I mean it. I’m not going to try anymore funny business. If Matt is happy with you, then I’ll just have to accept that and move on.” She hesitated. “Did you hear I got a writing job?” I shook my head and she continued. “It’s not in the area, but it’s a great career move. So, I’m truly backing off and I’m being serious.”

As much as I wanted to find cause to not believe her, I really felt she was being sincere. “Thanks, Melinda, for at least coming up here to say that to me. Good luck to you!”

She nodded. “And to you.” She then smiled, and it was even a little sincere. She turned around and headed away and I stood standing there for a few minutes, wondering if I just dreamed the last hour up. I couldn’t even begin to fathom how it happened, but it seemed like Melinda Lory might be turning a new leaf.

***

I pulled up in front of the house, where I was to pick Cody up. I got out of my car and that’s when Matt’s motorcycle pulled up in front of the house. He took his helmet off and glanced my way. I stepped to the curb as he was getting off the bike.

“Matt? What are you doing here?” I asked.

“Well, I wanna take you somewhere. There’s something I need to discuss with you.”

I frowned. “You want me to go somewhere with you now? But I’m supposed to get Cody and you’re supposed to be at work. And, I know you don’t think I’m about to ride motorcycle.” I tilted my head and looked at the cool smile on Matt’s face. Something was definitely up.

“I’ve got everything taken care of, Tasha,” he said. He grabbed my hand and pulled me to him. His lips softly touched mine. I placed my hand to his chest, nearly melting against him, until he broke from the intimate kiss. “Dana is getting Cody today.”

“Why? I’m here.”

“Get on, Tasha.” Matt pointed to the back of his motorcycle.

“Can I ride behind you in my car?” I pouted.

“No, leave it here.” He grabbed a helmet from the back of his motorcycle and handed it to me. I didn’t understand what was going on, but there was definitely something he wasn’t telling me. I sucked up my reluctance and swallowed the resistance I felt. Matt helped me onto the back of his bike, hopped on, started it, and tore away from the curb.

I wrapped my arms around him and nestled myself against his back. The wind picked up, blowing through my hair, and I relished these little moments. Surprisingly, it felt awesome to be breezing through traffic holding onto my man. I had no idea where I was going with him, but it was bound to be an amazing ride. We remained in silent, not yelling over the loud roar of the motorcycle’s engine. The ride took more than an hour, and finally we turned into a long driveway.

When he stopped the bike, I pulled back from him and looked around the landscape. We were at someone’s farm, but it didn’t seem like anyone was around. I took my helmet off and he helped me down.

“Where are we?” I asked.

He was beaming like a schoolboy with a secret. “Welcome to my family’s farm.”

My mouth dropped. “Your family owns this?”

He nodded. “I have someone keeping it up, but the truth is it always seemed too big for just me and Cody, so we don’t stay here. I just thought you’d like to see it.”

&n